Greenwood businesses struggle to reopen after explosion

At least six businesses are still closed, two others partially closed.

Author:
Katey Rusch

Published:
2:35 AM PDT July 2, 2016

Nearly four months ago, a gas explosion damaged and destroyed several buildings in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood. They say 'time heals all wounds' but in Greenwood, the healing is taking a little longer than expected.

By our count at least six businesses are still closed, two others partially closed.

Eleni Ponirakis Henry owns Kouzina Greek Restaurant. Ponirakis said she was home sleeping when the explosion rocked a building right next to her Greek food business.

"I was pretty lucky except my door had blown off," said Ponraki. "I thought two weeks after that the insurance would get together and fix the door."

But as of July 1 that hasn't happened. While Ponirakis doesn't blame her landlord or insurance, complications with both means the door to her restaurant is permanently shut and she's looking to relocate. She is still able to operate her catering business, but it has been tough.

"I feel we all were caught up in the system," said Ponirakis. "I think it still looks depressed,"

There is one business that's managed to rise above the rubble: Mr. Gyros. They've set up a food truck in a parking lot that overlooks the empty lot where their restaurant used to sit.

"We knew we were coming back in the neighborhood we just didn't know when or where," said Kevin Couch, an employee at Mr. Gyro.

Couch said the truck is just a temporary solution.

"They're saying about 18 months they'll be back in the building," said Couch.

By building Couch means a new building.

Down the street at the Angry Beaver, Tim Pipes is still waiting for his building to open back up. He's missed out on a lot of business: first hockey season and on July 1, all of the Canada Day celebrations.